Google launches 3D virtual world

Internet giant Google has launched its own 3D virtual world, called Lively.

Similar to Linden Labs' Second Life, users are able to create avatars and socialise in specially created spaces. Users are able to visit other rooms, leave items for each other and stream photos and video.

"The Lively team wants to help people experience another dimension of the web," said Niniane Wang, engineering manager for Google.

"We hope you will use the product to express yourself with and without words, and to do this in the places you already visit on the web."

Lively runs in an internet browser on PCs with Windows Vista or Windows XP installed, and uses a plugin which uses Emergent's Gamebryo engine.

"Prior to this release, we worked closely with Arizona State University," revealed Wang.

"Based on feedback from ASU students and with help from the Google Desktop team, we added support for playing YouTube videos in virtual TVs and showing photos in virtual picture frames inside our rooms. Better yet, the gadgets you have in your Lively rooms can also run on your desktop," he detailed.

Source: Games Industry

How to Outsell World of Warcraft

It's easy to see why this game could kill WoW by this video.

read more | digg story

First Look - Men of War

The big screen debuting Men of War to the assembled gaming hacks, I was expecting a bog-standard RTS game. When I heard it was a World War II RTS, my boredom glands flared up and I was struggling to keep myself together.

However, then the game started and it dawned on me: this is the next game from the people who made Soldiers: Heroes of World War II (and the criminally ignored Faces of War).

My boredom and disinterest turned to excitement, as I’ll admit I was unaware that a new game was in development. More good news was to follow, as the battle unfolded in front of the furiously scribbling journalists.

This out the battles are grander in scope, yet still retaining the scenery-destroying brilliance of the previous titles.

The new game will feature the usual factions: Soviets, the US and Nazis. Interestingly, Japanese forces can be controlled in multiplayer, but sadly there isn’t a solo, offline campaign for them.

The game will be very familiar to those of you out there who have played Soldiers or Faces of War. The interface has been tweaked, offering a wider, less squashed experience.

A nice tough is the MMO-esque hotbar, which allows players to customise how they want the interface to look. Drag the actions you use the most onto the bar and you can have them ordered however you like.

Other than that, the game is essentially a bigger, better version of the previous titles, which is no bad thing. Some might criticise for the lack of real innovation here – there are no revolutionary changes of tack from the developers.

However, if it ain’t broke and so on. Why change a singularly excellent game formula just for the sake of it? Exactly – most fans will lap this up and, hopefully, newer ones will be attracted by the large scale and exciting battles.

One of the things that has been changed is the multiplayer, something the developers are focusing more on than before.

An intriguing aspect will be the ‘risk’ factor – do you send good units forward to try to defeat the enemy or hold them back for later? The risk element comes from the fact the enemy can appropriate your fallen hardware for its own use, if your attack fails.

So, throw your best tanks forward but see your attack grind to a halt and you could soon then be facing them in a counter offensive. The sort of tactical thinking needed to succeed in Men of War will hopefully bring more cerebral players to the table, instead of relying on lightning reactions and twitch gaming of other, faster-paced titles.

With that in mind, we at Gamezine are both looking forward to the end of the year, when Men of War will be unleashed, and to some intensely strategic multiplayer shenanigans. See you on the frontlines, soldier.

Source: Gamezine

Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation game Free Download demo

Hold on to your hulas. The elves are sick of "The Man" and Elliot`s in dire need of a vacation. Island hop into a hilarious bowling game and mow pins, posed as elves, with your athletic skills and verve. Roll your ball over coins for bonuses and use Dirty Tricks like large gutters and magnets to thwart your opponents. Tune out colorful commentary aimed at distracting you, and bowl like a champ in Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation.

Features:
Festive bowling game
Bonuses and coins
Dirty Tricks tactics



System Requirements:
OS: Windows XP/Vista
CPU: 1.0 GHz
RAM: 256 MB
DirectX: 8.1
HD: 38 MB

Schizoid - Groundbreaking Xbox LIVE Arcade Title Is The First Built Using Microsoft's XNA Game Studio

Prepare for a brain meltdown! Microsoft and Torpex Games announced today the release of Schizoid™ for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Billed as “the most co-op game ever”, Schizoid creates a new category of action gaming where teamwork equals survival and players must protect each other from waves of glowing enemies. Available for download now, Schizoid is the first-ever Xbox LIVE Arcade title built using Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio.

“Torpex Games assembled an all-star team that truly believed in the vision of this singular game, and they ended up creating a unique and innovative game that embodies Xbox LIVE Arcade,” said Jeremy Wacksman, Microsoft’s Global Product Manager, Xbox LIVE. “We are very happy that Schizoid is the superb first result of our XNA Game Studio initiative on Xbox Live Arcade.”

Created by a team of veteran game developers, Schizoid features addictively simple gameplay. One or two players control one red ship and one blue ship, which are continually attacked by red and blue enemies. Each ship can destroy enemies of its own color, but will be destroyed by enemies of the other color. Quick reflexes help, but sharp teamwork is the difference between winning and losing.

“Schizoid is a landmark co-op gaming experience, unlike any other game. It’s a new experience that you’ve got to try,” says Bill Dugan, Torpex Games’ president. “And although it has been reported that Schizoid will ‘make your brain melt and ooze out of your ears’, I want to reassure gamers that in our testing we found no evidence of actual brain liquefaction.”

Two players can play cooperatively on the same Xbox 360 console or over Xbox LIVE. In single-player mode, players can opt to control either one ship, while an AI “Wingman Bot” controls the other ship; or control both ships in the hardcore “Uberschizoid” game mode.

Mutiny - Free Flash Game - Play Now it's Like Worms! From Nitrome

Click and drag the mouse to aim, then release the button to throw pirates and weapons. Try to defeat the opposing team before they destroy you!

Play the game here...

EA Account deletes user accounts for Battlefield Bad Company

Hearing recent news from friends and forums it seems people using pirated versions of the game are not only getting banned from playing this game but EA are resetting peoples accounts. It seems people are downloading the gold edition for the free weapons then playing there original online in order to not get banned from MS service.

read more | digg story

Castlevania - Judgement game coming to Nintendo Wii

Konami brings its legendary Castlevania series to Nintendo Wii in all-new action guise.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is to bring its world-famous Castlevania series to Nintendo Wii in the form of Castlevania Judgment, an all-new action title featuring a wealth of characters from the series’ 22-year history.



Created by series creator Koji ‘IGA’ Igarashi, Castlevania Judgment is a roving fighting game utilising heroes and villains from the Castlevania universe. The fighting game has been designed specifically for the Wii, and uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to offer a stunning level of control over the central heroes. Taking centre stage within a series of 3D locations inspired by previous Castlevania games, the controllers are used to slash, stab and employ a series of attacks against the assorted minions of Dracula.



Each of the beautifully-realised stages are fully interactive, and as the player battles their way through, various elements can be picked up, thrown, or used against the forces of evil – players can even make use of monsters on the field, while traps can also be set by specific characters. Castlevania Judgment also makes use of the Wii’s Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing players to fight with online friends in one-on-one settings, while the game also enjoys connectivity with Igarashi’s forthcoming Nintendo DS title Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, allowing users to unlock a very surprising bonus.



Featuring visuals from acclaimed artist Takeshi Obata, Castlevania Judgment sees the series’ famed Belmont clan enter fresh territory as their fighting skills are extended for this all-new challenge. With a huge cast of well-known monsters and undead adversaries, Castlevania Judgment marks a new chapter in the story of one of gaming’s most enduring series.



Castlevania Judgment will be released for Nintendo Wii in Europe early 2009.

Game Party 2 and Touchmaster 2 on Nintendo Wii announced

Sequels to Popular Casual Hits Scheduled To Ship This Fall.

Sequels to two of Midway’s top-selling casual games for Wii and Nintendo DS. Game Party 2 for Wii, the sequel to Midway’s top-selling Game Party which has shipped more than one million units worldwide to date, includes returning favorites from the original and five all-new fun filled family games. TouchMaster 2, for the Nintendo DS, offers a collection of 20 new addictively fun and exciting card, action, strategy, puzzle and picture games. Game Party 2 and TouchMaster 2 are both scheduled to be available this Fall.

“Following the great success of the first installments, Game Party 2 and TouchMaster 2 are guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment, whether alone or in a group, for people of all ages,” said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing, Midway Home Entertainment. “Casual game fans enjoyed the intuitive style of the originals, which have now been expanded and enhanced but still maintain that pick-up-and-play feel.”

About Game Party 2

With 11 games in all, Game Party 2 for the Nintendo Wii includes fun to play games that will provide hours of enjoyment with friends and family. Game Party 2 features new games like Bean Bags, Horseshoes, Lawn Darts, Puck Bowling and more. Each game, including classics like Skill Ball, Darts and Hoop Shoot has exciting new features like four player mode, customizable characters and tournament play, making Game Party 2 the ultimate party game for all ages and skill levels.



About TouchMaster 2

The wide variety of highly interactive mini-games that made Midway’s TouchMaster a favorite in bars and arcades across the country returns again with TouchMaster 2 for the Nintendo DS. With 20 new games, including exciting twists on some familiar classics, with new spins on Mahki, Poker and Solitaire, TouchMaster 2 offers addictive fun for gamers of all ages. TouchMaster 2’s new collection includes extremely fun and exciting card, action, strategy, puzzle and picture games. Play a quick round to beat your high-score or find some real competition playing head-to-head against other players. TouchMaster 2, the personal arcade that fits snug in the palm of your hands!

Tour De France Cycling Game download 2008

Experience the historic race first hand with pro cycling manager - tour de france 2008

Cycling’s biggest tournament, the Tour De France, started on July 5th with the world’s best cyclists battling through the 22 day race. Cycling fans can get a unique insight into the epic competition with Pro Cycling Manager – Tour De France 2008. This is the latest version of the popular racing management game for PC and PSP, available now.

Aspiring sports managers must build the best team and implement strategically sound race tactics throughout their own Tour de France, as they mastermind a bid for the prestigious yellow jersey. Players are in charge of every aspect from start to finish, including selecting the best riders and setting training schedules to prepare the team for the arduous race ahead.



Once the tour begins, the team of cyclists has to be guided through the 21 stages and 2000 miles of gruelling competitive racing. Starting in Brest, the stages make up a round trip of France, including races through Nantes, Toulouse and the famous Alpe D’Huez. Cyclists will finish the three week stint with the traditional loop around the historic Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Highly detailed rider models and animations combine for a realistic environment that accurately recreates buildings and tracks, giving players and fans a chance to experience the most famous cycle race in the world.



Watch the trailer here
http://www.cycling-manager.com/pcm2008/trailer_int/

Visit http://www.cycling-manager.com for more information.

Sarah's Emergency Room for Nintendo DS - Nintendo Wii - Xbox Live - PlayStation Network and PC

Forget Bee Stings and Broken Bones – Head to the Hospital for Fun This Summer.

Bringing hospital drama to multiple platforms this summer with Sarah’s Emergency Room. Currently in development for Nintendo DS, Wii, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade and PC platforms, Sarah’s Emergency Room is a time management and hospital simulation game where players take on the role of a young nurse, caring for patients in fast-paced hospital environments. GAMEINVEST is currently looking for qualified distribution and publishing partners for Sarah’s Emergency Room on the various platforms.

“Sarah’s Emergency Room revives the time management genre with fun, challenging levels and a frenetic pace with simulation management skills,” said GAMEINVEST founder and CEO Paulo Gomes. “Our commitment to quality and accessibility shines with beautiful graphics and a pick-up-and-play interface.”

Sarah’s Emergency Room casts players as Sarah, a young nurse who has recently graduated from college in California and is struggling to find a job. In a twist of fate, Sarah is hired for a nursing position at a small hospital in Arkansas, where she discovers that managing an emergency room is a bit harder than she expected. At the hospital, she tends to all patients who walk through the door, diagnosing, taking X-rays, filling prescriptions and assisting in the operating room. Play through the game’s narrative to the exciting conclusion - will Sarah’s career as a nurse be a success?



Using a Wii remote, DS stylus, controller or mouse, players will direct the nurse, Sarah, and the patients, rushing between doctors and exam rooms. When working at larger hospitals, players will see multiple on-screen levels, enabling them to manage different floors, moving players with the elevator. The 3D graphics, seven hospitals, and increasing levels of difficult tasks will challenge time management gamers of all ages.

Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 - Windows version out now

PC Version Features Enhanced Graphics and Technology with Exciting New Modes.

The highly anticipated Games for Windows version of Devil May Cry 4 ships to retail today.



Devil May Cry 4 is already a certifiable hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units world wide since its release in North America in February. The Games for Windows version of Devil May Cry 4 will feature new modes, enhanced graphics options and additional content. Devil May Cry 4 has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board and carries a suggested retail price of $39.99.



Good things come to those who wait as Windows-based PC owners will benefit from having more modes and more visual customization options to help enhance their demon-slaying action. Following up on the amazingly popular Windows-based PC demo available for download at major direct-to-download websites, Devil May Cry 4 for Games for Windows has garnered critical praise with the game’s additional graphical prowess and buffed up frame rate. The full version will feature a number of exclusive content for the Windows-based PC including, Turbo Mode, which will turn-up the action to insane speeds, and Legendary Dark Knight Mode, which will harness advanced Windows-based PC processing power and fill the screen with an unbelievable number of enemies for extra difficulty.



Moreover, familiar enemies from the console versions will show-up in new locations in the Games for Windows version. The high resolution screen settings allow the cut scenes of the game to run at up to 120 frames per second (up from 30 frames per second in the console version of the game). Slider options are available to manage various visual effects seen throughout the game. Additionally, Devil May Cry 4 for Games for Windows comes with a Benchmark Test Mode which lets users test their Windows PC. Devil May Cry 4 for Games for Windows will have both DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 modes,




From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4 comes the next installment in the hugely successful stylized action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

Zoids Assault on Microsoft Xbox 360 Screenshots

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Too Human on Microsoft Xbox 360

Exploring Aesir

The Orbital “String” Tower, Bifrost
At the center of Midgard lies Bifrost, the Orbital “String” Tower. The Tower reaches from the surface of the planet to the lowest of orbits, where a complex of space stations resides.



Built as the YMIR were rising to power, this tower is a bridge to the orbital facilities of the Aesir, where precious materials are synthesized in a variety of zero to low gee environments. Orbital monitoring systems are also present, but are radically hindered by the presence of impenetrable cloud cover and the skein of nanotech that the development of Cyberspace brought to the planet. The String connects the territories of Midgard and Asgard, “earth” and “heaven”. The String affords the Aesir the ability to manufacture and refine material free from the interference of the machines.



The Halls of the Aesir

These Halls are the seat of power in the eyes of Humanity. Here they can walk amidst the humans, so their presence is felt and provide assurance. It is here that the Aesir formulate battle plans and regale each other with the tall tales. The building itself is massive, rises many hundreds of stories above ground level and reaching deep into the earth as well. Amongst its many tiers lie armories, vehicle bays, loading docks, research labs, staging areas, barracks, training facilities, arboretums, hospitals and even prisons. The building is self-sufficient enough to maintain the war effort, but it is ultimately reliant upon the Orbital String for stability. Each of the gods has his own personal Hall within this building, to be used as a sort of office, in addition to their true homes that reside atop the Orbital String tower in Asgard.




Cyberspace

Although Cyberspace is present in all parts of the planet, the height of activity is within the walls of Aesir territory. There are more wells within the Halls of the Aesir than anywhere else. This is primarily because its use has fallen only to the Aesir, who use it to gauge the future and enact their battle plans.
There are Wells scattered across the entire world, but most of them are disabled or shut down after centuries of disuse and warfare. Most areas of cyberspace can be travelled to directly from these Halls, so long as the requisite Wells across the globe have been activated.